The 2025/2026 school year is full of opportunities to escape the city and plan a holiday in the heart of the Beskidy Mountains. The key to success is the so-called "headteacher's days off," which can turn an ordinary weekend into a true mountain adventure.
The first school bell doesn't have to mean the end of family travels. Quite the opposite! Long weekends in October or November are the perfect time to recharge your batteries. Everyone wins – children get a break from school duties, parents from the hustle and bustle of work, and shared moments on picturesque trails remain in memory for a long time.
Headteacher’s Days Off – A Chance for an Extra Holiday
Not every parent remembers that school headteachers have a pool of additional days off they can use throughout the year. They are most often scheduled around public holidays or exams, thus creating convenient, multi-day breaks.
For parents, this is a signal to check the calendar now. For example, Teacher's Day (14th Oct) in 2025 falls on a Tuesday. If the headteacher declares Monday a day off, children will get a full four days of freedom. Similarly in November – Independence Day (11th Nov) is also on a Tuesday, creating an ideal opportunity for a four-day trip to the mountains.
School Long Weekends – Autumn in the Beskidy Mountains
Autumn 2025 is the perfect time for mountain escapades.
October (11th–14th Oct) – The long weekend for Teacher's Day is the best moment to see the Beskidy Mountains in their golden splendour. Imagine family hikes on trails shimmering with shades of red and yellow, crisp mountain air, and breathtaking views. After a day full of excitement, the perfect finale will be relaxing in the wellness area of the Vestina Wisła hotel, where the jacuzzi and saunas will help you regenerate before the next day.
November (8th–11th Nov) – Escape the autumn gloom and smog! When the cities turn dreary, Wisła offers clean air and a unique climate. It's a time for peaceful walks through the Biała Wisełka Valley, a cup of hot chocolate, and an evening of relaxation at the hotel. Vestina Wisła becomes a cosy oasis, perfect for spending time with family, away from the daily rush.
Another long break is the Winter Christmas Break (22nd December 2025 to 4th January 2026). That's a total of 14 days that can be spent in a magical winter setting. Instead of preparing at home, choose a truly highland Christmas in Wisła – with snow-capped peaks outside your window, the scent of a Christmas tree, and ski slopes right next to the Vestina Wisła hotel.
Winter Break 2026 – Time for Skis and Sleds!
The winter break is the most important part of the winter calendar. In 2026, the dates are as follows (for Polish voivodeships):
19th Jan – 1st Feb – Masovian, Pomeranian, Podlaskie, Świętokrzyskie, Warmian-Masurian.
2nd – 15th Feb – Lower Silesian, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Łódź, West Pomeranian, Lesser Poland, Opole.
16th Feb – 1st Mar – Silesian, Subcarpathian, Lublin, Greater Poland, Lubusz.
During this period, Wisła is bustling with life, becoming a true capital of winter sports. Numerous ski slopes of varying difficulty, ski schools for the youngest, and picturesque cross-country trails await entire families. The Vestina Wisła hotel is an excellent base – its proximity to the ski lifts and comfortable conditions will allow you to fully enjoy the winter madness.
Spring Awakening – Long Weekends in 2025/2026
As nature awakens, the Beskidy Mountains become even more beautiful.
Easter (2nd–7th Apr 2026) – Six days off from school is a great opportunity to spend the holidays differently. Imagine an Easter breakfast with a mountain view and family walks on trails coming back to life. At Vestina Wisła, we prepare special Easter packages that combine tradition with comfortable relaxation.
May Long Weekend (1st–3rd May 2026) – The May weekend is the official opening of the hiking and cycling season! Friday, 1st May, guarantees at least three days off. It's the perfect time for the first spring hikes, conquering peaks, and admiring the lush green of the Beskidy forests.
A Moment to Breathe in May, an Opportunity During Exams (13th–15th May 2026) – Did you know that while eighth-graders are taking their most important tests, younger students in many schools have extra days off? This is the perfect moment for a short, rejuvenating trip to the mountains. Imagine the silence on the trails, no queues, and prices lower than in the high season. Plan your holiday for that exact time!
Corpus Christi (4th–7th Jun 2026) – The long weekend in June is almost a foretaste of the summer holidays. Just one day off on Friday is enough to enjoy four days in the mountains. The weather is perfect for longer trips, for example to Barania Góra, where the queen of Polish rivers – the Vistula – has its source. It's a time for active recreation and catching the first rays of summer sun.
Long Weekends and Headteacher’s Days Off 2025/26 – Summary
The 2025/2026 school year is a true treasure trove of opportunities for family getaways. From the golden Beskidy autumn, through a magical winter, to a green spring – the calendar itself suggests when it's best to escape the everyday routine. It's worth checking now how the headteacher's days off are planned at your children's school to schedule these special moments in advance.
Don't postpone making memories together. The Vestina Wisła team is waiting to host your family and ensure a comfortable rest in the heart of the mountains. Book your date today!
